The Department of Science and Technology is putting up a P4.99 million Green Bio-Hydrogen to Energy Laboratory in Cagayan de Oro to help find sustainable energy solutions in Northern Mindanao.  

Located at the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, the research facility will convert low-value municipal and industrial wastes into energy carriers for distributed power generation. This endeavor aims to create energy-sufficient and independent communities, lessening the nation's dependence on external fuel sources. 

The Green BioH2E research team at Xavier Ateneo Cagayan is setting up and keeping an eye on microbial electrolysis setups. The laboratory wants to help local governments and businesses in the area by offering customized end-to-end recycling solutions. This is in line with the larger objective of promoting a circular economy.

Under the guidance of University President Fr. Mars P. Tan SJ, and Project Leader Dr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan, Xavier University envisions this facility as a hub for advancing cutting-edge, clean, and non-mass burn technologies derived from municipal and industrial wastes. Additionally, the laboratory will provide tailored end-to-end recycling solutions to local governments and industries in the region, aligning with the broader goal of moving towards a circular economy. 

 The laboratory's primary objective is to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen-to-energy technologies in converting waste into power and heat generation. This evidence and demonstration-driven approach is expected to facilitate broader adoption of sustainable practices in the region. 

 DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit underscored the collaborative efforts to address energy challenges and promote sustainable development in Northern Mindanao. DOST-PCIEERD provided the P4.99 million grant under the Institution Development Program (IDP).  

 “As we work together to become a nexus of innovation in the Philippines, we will continue our endeavor to provide support, not only to groundbreaking R&D and introducing innovation but also to make an impact,” Director Paringit said.  

 The project serves as a beacon of innovation and progress in the region as it supports Sustainable Development Goal 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy. 

Furthermore, the project gained full support and endorsement from the DOST Region 10 (DOST X) and the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NorMinCIEERD)